Starbucks Kicks it Up a Notch

Anyone who knows me would agree that I am often found sipping a cup, or two of coffee throughout the day.

Some might say it’s my lack of sleep due to having a couple youngins, which isn’t far from the truth but, I do thoroughly enjoy a great cup of coffee.

This past fall, the ByWard Market welcomed a new type of coffee place.

Sure it’s called Starbucks but what’s inside is something you likely haven’t seen before.

The use of the original wood from the historical building in which it resides and stone walls, really pay homage to the market, heck, even Colonel By would appreciate it I’m sure.

From the lighting to the layout it’s just beautiful.

But what makes this Starbucks location different you ask? The Reserve Coffee Bar.

One of a kind here in Canada and only a few in the World, it offers coffee connoisseurs a chance to experience new and exciting flavours and brewing methods.

All of the staff working here are Coffee Masters, an intensive course on coffee, how it should be made and all about the reserves.

During my visit I had the opportunity to be enlightened by Jude and Tait

You can experience cold brews, flights but best of all siphon!

What is siphon brewing you ask, well it’s simple really, and somewhat scientific. You start with an apparatus holding two glass containers, one above the other, add heat to the bottom and voila.

The water boils in the bottom container and the vapour pressure and vacuum suction pulls the water into the top container where the coffee is folded into the water.

Remove the apparatus from the heat source and watch as the beautiful amber oils descend into the bottom container, followed by the smooth and luxurious coffee.

Some of you may know but, coffee beans come from the coffee cherry. But did you know that the dark black coffee we experience is really a very deep red. Take a look at the photos above to see it for yourself.

The price tag for a siphon coffee may be $10 but really, it’s worth it.